The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : A kids’ day of fun and frolic

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Oct 22, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

A kids’ day of fun and frolic

Staff Reporter

‘Aadya’s Hug’ set up by comedian Badava Gopi and wife

Song, classical dance, acrobatics performances held
Venture has been supported by Tamil artists

— Photo: S.S. Kumar

Having a jolly time: Actor ‘Jeyam’ Ravi with mimicry artiste Badava Gopi with underprivileged children at the launch of ‘Aadya’s Hug’ in Chennai recently.

Chennai: A morning of “satham and galatta” sure seemed to beat a morning at school for hundreds of children who gathered at the Kamarajar Arangam recently for a session of uninhibited fun.

The usually sombre auditorium had transformed itself to accommodate the kids, who were invited there for the sole purpose of enjoying themselves.

Even the teachers seemed to let their hair down and join in the fun.

The occasion was the launch of ‘Aadya’s Hug’, a group specially set up to entertain children and ensure that their childhood is a time of unlimited joy.

Aadya’s Hug was established by comedian and mimicry artiste Badava Gopi and his wife, Haritha, in memory of their daughter. “Today is her birthday, so we decided to launch the group today,” Mr. Gopi said. “The purpose of the group is to entertain and help underprivileged children, and ensure that these children have an opportunity to celebrate their childhood.”

The programme began with a heart-rending song by Haritha, followed by a jaw dropping performance of classical dance and acrobatics by young dancer Upasana.

The roar of children was almost perpetual. Every time the lights were switched on, the squeals would grow louder. Mr. Gopi got the kids going with his humorous mimicry of everything from a train to a peacock, and even the rain. It was followed by a performance by winners of a contest organised by Airtel Nikhil and Gautam, who got the kids into a dancing mood with their rendition of popular Tamil songs. The venture was supported by several Tamil entertainment artists, including television and radio artists. Among the more familiar faces were “Chennai 28” star Shiva, and director Venkat Prabhu.

The biggest applause, however, saved for actor ‘Jeyam’ Ravi who, despite shyly refusing to dance in the beginning, soon warmed up to the children and started dancing on stage with the kids.

“All the singers, performers, and the orchestra are performing for free. Even the food and snacks for the children are sponsored. We will look to corporate sponsorship for all our future programmes,” said Mr. Gopi.

The purpose of the programme, according to the organisers, was for the children to “smile and be jolly.” This seemed to have been achieved, going by the number of wide smiles that filled the auditorium with warmth.

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